Beltran was available to pinch hit late in the game, manager Mike Matheny said, but was not needed in the Cardinals' 8-3 victory. His status for Game 5 is uncertain.

With Beltran out, Matt Carpenter batted second and played first base, with Allen Craig moving to right field. Carpenter went 1-for-3 and scored twice as St. Louis took a 3-1 lead in the best-of-7 series..

Beltran is "being very proactive with getting in to see all our staff medically and doing whatever he can to be in there (Friday) as a starter," Matheny said before Game 4. "But once again, he could play a huge part in (Game 4) by coming off the bench in a tough situation. … It's a nice weapon to have."

Beltran's absences hurts the Cardinals any time but especially now. He has been the team's most productive postseason hitter, with a .486 on-base percentage and 1.353 OPS. Beltran also has had plenty of success against Giants starter Tim Lincecum, going 7-for-14 with a homer and six walks.

Matheny said the Carpenter-Craig position switch was made because that's what the players wanted. Craig "feels more comfortable in the outfield," Matheny said, "and the same could be said for Carpenter. It's a more natural position for him on the infield."